It is necessary to carryout preventive maintenance to keep your car in good running order. Basic checks every month such as checking fluid levels and frequent servicing will minimize the risk of a breakdown and prolong the life of your car. The following is only a guide and brief overview of commonly serviced items, please refer to your manufacturer's handbook for your specific vehicle and service requirements if you are unsure.
ENGINE OIL
Why
Oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Not only does it lubricate moving parts it also prevents overheating and has cleaning properties too. You can never change your engine oil too often. Renewing the engine oil at or before the specified intervals prevents sludge build up which ensures the oil can flow freely through the passage ways in the engine to lubricate the various components. Every time an engine is started from cold it produces moisture which is transferred to the oil in the sump. This moisture causes corrosion inside the engine and will break down the oil over time causing premature wear to vital engine parts.
When
We recommend changing the oil & filter every 6,000 miles. For turbocharged cars it is recommended to change the oil every 3,000 miles. Driving in the city or built up areas is a harsh environment for any car. Lots of cold starts and short journeys not allowing the engine to reach operating temperature along with frequent gear changes and stop/start driving requires a car to have regular maintenance.
AIR FILTER
Why
Air filters prevent abrasive particles from entering the engine where they would cause mechanical wear and oil contamination. A clean air filter would also have a positive effect on engine performance and emissions.
When
An engine air filter should be changed at least once a year. If the car is being driven in harsh or dusty conditions it should be changed more often. A quick visual inspection will reveal if the air filter requires changing or not.
SPARK PLUGS
Why
Spark plugs supply a spark in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel/air mix in a petrol engine. A worn spark plug can cause incomplete burning of the fuel/air mix and have a negative effect on engine performance and emissions test. Spark plugs in bad condition are also related to problems such as hard starting and misfiring. A new set of spark plugs will not only help emissions and performance but improves fuel economy too.
When
The standard spark plugs (Copper) will need to be changed once a year to maintain peak engine performance. Some more modern cars come with long life spark plugs (Iridium) fitted which can last up to 100,000 miles. The down side to Iridium plugs is that they are more expensive to replace. On some cars access to spark plugs may be a problem, in this case it is a good idea to use long life spark plugs.
FUEL FILTER
Why
The job of the fuel filter is to stop dirt particles entering the fuel system and engine. Fuel filters are often overlooked when servicing and if left for too long the filter element can collapse causing a drop in fuel pressure and eventually a breakdown.
When
On modern petrol cars some fuel filters have a long life span compared to older cars. Some do not require renewal until as high as 100,000 miles. Diesel engines however require changing every one to two years and the water trap (if equipped) should be emptied every oil change. To find out what mileage your cars fuel filter is due replacement please refer to your manufacturers handbook.
COOLANT
Why
The coolant has a number of different functions. It removes heat from the engine preventing overheating, prevents freezing in the winter and also protects/lubricates parts of the cooling system such as the water pump. Over time the coolant can become diluted from topping up with water causing the mixture to weaken leading to corrosion of the cooling system and overheating of the engine. If the coolant has not been changed for a long time or is very dirty we recommend flushing the cooling system with a detergent.
When
It is recommended to change the coolant every two to three years. If you are unsure when it was last changed we can do a simple test to check the antifreeze/water mix is sufficient.
BRAKE FLUID
Why
Brake fluid requires changing as it is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. Over time this will will lessen the effectiveness of the brake fluid. Moisture in the brake system will cause brake lines to rot from the inside out and will also damage brake callipers. Water contamination will also lower the boiling point of the brake fluid which is very dangerous as vapour pockets can form leading to brake failure.
When
We recommend changing the brake fluid every two years.A brake fluid change is often overlooked, so much so that many of the cars we service for the first time we recommend a fluid change. Some more modern cars will have a reminder on the dash. We also have a simple test to check the moisture content.
AUXILIARY BELTS
Why
Auxiliary belts drive components such as the power steering pump, alternator, air con and water pump. Over time the belt can start to glaze, crack and/or squeal. The squealing noise is most noticeable on a damp morning or when the steering wheel is turned to full lock. Quite often these belts if left unserviced will fray and eventually snap causing loss of water pump or alternator and a breakdown. In some case it is not the belt that is causing the problem but the belt tensioner that has become weak allowing the belt to slip and not drive the component pulley.
When
Auxiliary belts last 4-6 years or more. The belt condition and tension should be inspected every oil change. If the belt is noisy but operates as it should it is possible to lubricate the belt with an aerosol dressing however the noise will soon return, the only permanent fix is to replace it.If there is engine oil or fluids leaking onto the belt this will shorten its lifespan considerably.
BATTERY
Why
A healthy car battery is a necessity especially in cold or hot weather. Generally when a battery becomes old or run down it will not hold a charge any longer. This means that if you leave your car parked for 2-3 days or more the battery may go flat and won't crank the engine. A weak battery also puts extra stress on an alternator as the alternator is constantly trying to recharge the battery when its function is to maintain the batteries state of charge not recharge a flat battery.
When
In general a battery will last 4-5 years. If the battery has been run down repeatedly or not mounted securely it will have a shorter lifespan than usual. A fully charged battery in good condition should have approximately 12.6 volts, anything less than 12 volts and the battery should be inspected or replaced and the charging system inspected.
TYRES
Why
Tyres are one of the most important pats of any vehicle. They have an effect on handling, steering and braking. It is important that the wheel alignment and correct tyre pressure have been set. If this has not been carried out the tyre will wear unevenly and flex excessively at higher speeds which can cause tyre failure resulting in loss of control of the vehicle. Tyre pressures should be checked when cold and set to the manufacturers specification.
When
The Tyre thread limit is 1.6mm.As soon as the tyre thread reaches 2.0mm replacement should be considered as at this stage the effectiveness of the tyre has lessened. Tyres over 6 years old may have cracks in the sidewall and thread. When these cracks appear it is a sign the tyre is aging or has been parked for a long period of time. When tyres reach this stage they should be replaced even if the thread is within specifications as tyres are one of the most important parts of any car
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